One of the most famous personages known throughout Tibet, Milarepa represents the potential in every human being to overcome seemingly insurmountable difficulties in life to achieve the ultimate state of realization.

As a child, the young Thopaga as he was called then, was blessed to be raised in a wealthy family with his mother, father and sister in western Tibet. When his father suddenly passed away, their wealth and property were taken from them by his aunt and uncle, leaving the three of them in virtual servitude to the uncle and utterly impoverished. Mila’s mother, out of desperation for their condition, persuaded him to study black magic and take revenge on the aunt and uncle, so that they could regain their possessions and eliminate the strife and struggle that had become their everyday existence. Becoming proficient in sorcery, Mila directed a hailstorm to the house of the aunt and uncle, killing 35 people and later causing destruction to the villagers crops who ventured after him.

He later regretted these acts and searched for a teacher to guide him in a way in line with pure dharma. Eventually he was led to the feet of Marpa, the great translator and yogi. Due to the severity of his past actions Marpa put Mila through the most difficult process of purification and rejection imaginable. This drove him to the point of utter exhaustion and even attempted suicide. Ultimately, due to the kindness of Marpas wife he was finally accepted by Marpa as a student and practiced with unequalled faith and diligence until he realized complete awakening.

Milarepa is at times depicted with green tinged skin, a sign of his fasting in retreat, only eating the broth of nettles. He is often seen with his right hand at his ear, singing songs of realization which he became well known for.

Mineral pigment, gold, gouache and acrylic on primed cotton.
In the collection of Charlyn Edwards, 2011

One of the most famous personages known throughout Tibet, Milarepa represents the potential in every human being to overcome seemingly insurmountable difficulties in life to achieve the ultimate state of realization.

As a child, the young Thopaga as he was called then, was blessed to be raised in a wealthy family with his mother, father and sister in western Tibet. When his father suddenly passed away, their wealth and property were taken from them by his aunt and uncle, leaving the three of them in virtual servitude to the uncle and utterly impoverished. Mila’s mother, out of desperation for their condition, persuaded him to study black magic and take revenge on the aunt and uncle, so that they could regain their possessions and eliminate the strife and struggle that had become their everyday existence. Becoming proficient in sorcery, Mila directed a hailstorm to the house of the aunt and uncle, killing 35 people and later causing destruction to the villagers crops who ventured after him.

He later regretted these acts and searched for a teacher to guide him in a way in line with pure dharma. Eventually he was led to the feet of Marpa, the great translator and yogi. Due to the severity of his past actions Marpa put Mila through the most difficult process of purification and rejection imaginable. This drove him to the point of utter exhaustion and even attempted suicide. Ultimately, due to the kindness of Marpas wife he was finally accepted by Marpa as a student and practiced with unequalled faith and diligence until he realized complete awakening.

Milarepa is at times depicted with green tinged skin, a sign of his fasting in retreat, only eating the broth of nettles. He is often seen with his right hand at his ear, singing songs of realization which he became well known for.

Prints are available in the following sizes.
Small 8½×11 : $45
Medium 11x14 : $65
Large 14x20 : $95